Cuivre River facts for kids
Quick facts for kids Cuivre River |
|
|---|---|
| Native name | Rivière aux Boeufs |
| Other name(s) | Buffalo River, Copper River, Cuvier River, Quiver River, Quivre River |
| Country | United States |
| State | Missouri |
| Region | Lincoln & St. Charles Counties |
| Cities & village | Troy, Moscow Mills, Chain of Rocks, Old Monroe |
| Physical characteristics | |
| Main source | Confluence of North Fork and West Fork 470 feet (140 m) 39°01′02″N 90°59′34″W / 39.01722°N 90.99278°W |
| River mouth | Mississippi River 423 feet (129 m) 38°56′00″N 90°41′13″W / 38.93333°N 90.68694°W |
| Length | 41.6 miles (66.9 km) |
| Basin features | |
| Landmarks | Cuivre River State Park |
| Tributaries |
|
The Cuivre River is a river about 41.6 miles (67 kilometers) long. It flows through the eastern part of Missouri. This river helps form the border between Lincoln and St. Charles counties. Eventually, it flows into the mighty Mississippi River north of St. Louis.
You can find the Cuivre River State Park near Troy. The river forms part of the park's southwestern edge. The Cuivre River is also considered a navigable stream, meaning boats can travel on it.
Where Does the Cuivre River Flow?
The Cuivre River starts where two smaller streams meet. These are called the North Fork and the West Fork. They join together west of US Route 61, near Troy. This starting point is about 470 feet (143 meters) above sea level.
From there, the river flows east, going under Route 61. Then it turns southeast, passing under Missouri Route 47 east of Troy. The river winds its way southeast, flowing past Moscow Mills.
As it continues, the Cuivre River reaches the border between Lincoln and St. Charles counties. Here, it gains a major helper stream called Big Creek. The river then turns east and follows this county line. It flows northeast, passing south of Chain of Rocks. Finally, it meets the Mississippi River at a spot called Cuivre Slough. This meeting point is about 423 feet (129 meters) above sea level.
What Does "Cuivre" Mean?
The name "Cuivre River" comes from French settlers who lived in the area long ago. In French, "Cuivre" means "copper". This is a bit surprising because there isn't any copper found along the river!
People believe the river was actually named after a famous French scientist. His name was Baron Georges Cuvier. He was known for studying animals and fossils. When France gained control of the land west of the Mississippi River, Cuvier sent students to explore it.
When these students reached the river, local French people called it Rivière aux Boeufs. This meant "Buffalo River" because many bison lived along its banks. The scientists decided to give it a more important name: "Cuvier." They put this name on their maps. Later, when English-speaking settlers arrived, the spelling changed to "Cuivre." The way it was said also changed to sound like "Quiver."
The river has had many different names over time. Some of these include Buffalo River, Copper River, and Quiver River.
A Bit of History
An important event happened near where the Cuivre River meets the Mississippi. This was the Battle of the Sink Hole. It took place at the very end of the War of 1812.
